Kalonzo’s quest for presidency intensifies as Kibwana joins Wiper

The Wiper Democratic Movement has signed a pre-election pact with Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana, which is seen as a way of increasing Kalonzo Musyoka’s chances of becoming the National Super Alliance (Nasa) presidential candidate.

The ceremony, attended by Mr Musyoka and Muungano Party leaders, took place in Kambu in Kibwezi East constituency.

The deal binds the two parties and one of its obligations is that Governor Kibwana should assist Mr Kalonzo get the Nasa ticket.

Each party will field candidates separately but in an agreed formula such that where a Wiper candidate is running, Muungano will not field a candidate.

Also in the pact, Prof Kibwana will seek re-election on a Wiper ticket.

Mr Musyoka said he had reached out to Prof Kibwana to help him bolster his bargaining power to carry the Nasa presidential flag.

“The ongoing negotiations for the Nasa presidential candidate have reached a level where I need the backing of respected individuals such as Prof Kibwana,” Mr Musyoka said.

Mr Musyoka assured locals that the county chief will be treated with respect.

“Prof Kibwana will be a member of Wiper’s National Executive Committee and the Summit immediately,” he said.

Comparing the new union with the biblical Noah’s Ark, Prof Kibwana urged aspirants to join either of the two parties under the new coalition.

“Muungano will remain as a party and it will field candidates everywhere so that we are actually in a coalition,” Prof Kibwana said.

Nasa is made up of three parties – ODM, ANC, Ford Kenya and Wiper – and its other leaders are Raila Odinga (ODM), Moses Wetang’ula (Ford-Kenya) and Musalia Mudavadi (Amani National Congress).

DIRECT NOMINATION

Muungano Party chairman Titus Muunda said the decision to release Prof Kibwana, the only governor elected on the party, was a hard one to make.

However, he said his party would not disband but would work hand in hand with Wiper to unite the Kamba nation.

“We shall be consulting him while still at Wiper because he is a wise counsel,” Mr Muunda added.

Also present was Wiper’s deputy party leader Farah Maalim, who praised the new deal as a boost to the move towards grabbing the presidency.

“You are lucky to have a well-disciplined son eyeing the presidency who is experienced on governance. We have able generals (Mr Kibwana and Mr Kilonzo) who have what it takes to help deliver the Presidency,” Mr Maalim said.

Senator Kilonzo said he is not interested in running for the Makueni governorship.

Prof Kibwana and Mr Musyoka signed a framework document that the Wiper leader said he would present to the party’s top organ for ratification.

Responding to a demand by some residents that Prof Kibwana be accorded a direct nomination, Mr Musyoka said: “We are negotiating as a coalition and we have also to give in in many ways.”

Afterwards, the leaders addressed roadside rallies in Kambu and Mtito Andei, where Mr Musyoka criticised the Jubilee administration and accused it of favouritism.